Women and Edinburgh are, to some extent, intertwined. At least, this fact becomes perfectly clear when one studies the history of this remarkable city. Among its famous local figures, one can find countless women’s names. These women achieved great success in a wide variety of fields. More at edinburghka.
Beyond this, however, the Scottish capital is also distinguished by its history of active struggle for women’s rights. At a time when women were denied even the opportunity to receive an education, numerous protests were held in the city, and dedicated organisations were formed. The goal was to break the system and discard such archaic principles. These societal views were a gross injustice. No other words can describe such a patronising attitude towards women, and, of course, the real and severe restriction of their rights.
Consequently, against this backdrop, the women of Edinburgh strove for development, self-realisation, and progress. The feminist movement was, therefore, an opportunity for them to loudly proclaim their rights and aspirations.
In addition to forming various societies and similar groups, women were also greatly supported by printed publications. One such publication was The Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine.
A Popular Women’s Magazine
It should be noted that this publication is one of the most famous literary magazines published in Scotland between 1875 and 1880.
The magazine’s pages featured articles by women who were prominent in fields such as the fight for suffrage and education.
It is no surprise, then, that the magazine keenly discussed issues surrounding women’s access to higher education. The Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine also became an excellent platform for those ladies who envisioned a future for themselves in writing.
The Magazine’s Concept
Regarding the concept behind the magazine, the following is fair to say. The publication was essentially a distinct space where women could share their work and discuss ideas. It was a kind of “common room” that reflected the public role of women in society—a role which, at that time, was arguably still just beginning to form.
Highlighting the Importance of Women’s Social Role
It is important to note that The Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine played a significant role in the social and intellectual life of women. In effect, the magazine clearly highlighted the growing importance of women’s role in late 19th-century Scottish society.
This was likely why the publication was so popular. Its pages allowed readers to delve into the details of the most pressing topics, all presented with a delicate framing (after all, the majority of the authors were also women, and this was very noticeable).
Addressing Current Issues
Of course, among the most pressing topics raised in the magazine, the most critical was a woman’s right to vote. The articles even provided specific examples.
Take, for example, women’s participation in school board elections, which was used as proof of their suitability to participate in parliamentary elections. This was a small victory that helped drive home the point that it was time to get rid of outdated principles in the electoral process. Both sexes had the right to vote.
Indeed, attempts to secure women’s suffrage in parliamentary elections in 1867-1868 were unsuccessful. However, under the Education (Scotland) Act of 1872, Scottish women finally gained the right to vote in school board elections.
In 1876, the nurse, suffragist, writer, and editor Flora Masson argued the following in the pages of The Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine. According to her, this state of affairs was direct proof that women could, and should, be granted the parliamentary franchise. It was clear, therefore, that the feminist movement would continue to press its case.
Thus, The Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine was an influential publication of its time, allowing women to assert themselves more boldly. And, of course, the magazine became a special haven for women, where they could express their views, ideas, and thoughts.
It is also important to note that the magazine’s value lay in its content. Few publications could afford such explicit coverage of pressing issues related to women’s education, suffrage, employment, and more. This was especially true given the prevailing attitudes of the time, which were predominantly not in women’s favour.
Because the articles in The Ladies’ Edinburgh Magazine were largely written by women, the material was presented in a somewhat special way. In other words, one could feel an elegance and a mastery of language.
The magazine’s pages were filled with interesting facts, perspectives, and proposals. But the common thread running through it all was the recognition of the value of women’s social role. This, as is well known, is an integral part of a healthy, developing society.